During his weekly radio and Internet address Saturday, President Barack Obama said that Memorial Day is a time to remember military heroes whose sacrifices helped build the country.

He also made a link between the holiday and the bubbling scandal over charges of misconduct at Veterans Affairs hospitals. He said the nation must do more to help military personnel to receive the care they deserve, calling it a sacred trust and one of the causes of his presidency.

The statement comes amid harsh criticism from the Republican Party and others over charges of preventable deaths and treatment delays at VA hospitals.

“In recent weeks, we’ve seen again how much more our nation has to do to make sure all our veterans get the care they deserve,” he said. “As commander-in-chief, I believe that taking care of our veterans and their families is a sacred obligation. It’s been one of the causes of my presidency.”